Cabrinha CO2 User manual

SOLID KITEBOARDING EQUIPMENT
2002
KITE MANUAL
SOLID KITEBOARDING EQUIPMENT

The user of this product is an adult
who understands that the use of this
product may expose the user to certain
unavoidable risks, dangers, and hazards.
The user of this product voluntarily
assumes these risks. Before using this
product, the user has carefully reviewed,
understood, and agrees to comply with
the terms of the User's Manual. The user
of this product understands and agrees
to comply with the terms of the sale.
The user of this product understand
that the seller is not responsible for any
damage to property or injury caused by
negligent operation of this product by the
user, and the user releases the seller
from all such liability.
Kite surfing is an adult sport. Power
kites and their lines and control equip-
ment can be dangerous to flyers and to
anyone in the vicinity of their use. Kite
surfing must be taken seriously and we
recommend that, at least in the early
stages of your use, you seek the guid-
ance of experienced kite surfers.
Improper and/or negligent use of this
kite may result in serious injury or death
to yourself and others. Do not use your
kite near power lines, airports, streets
and keep your kite fly lines away from
people and obstacles. Always fly in an
open area, observe wind and weather
conditions, particularly in circumstances
where you may encounter offshore winds
or strong winds.
Do not attempt to use your kite on
water until you are confident and com-
fortable with its use on land. Spend time
to become familiar with the operation of
your kite and remember that you are
responsible for its safe operation and for
the safety of those around you. As you
learn the sport, work within your own lim-
itations and do not exceed them.
If you intend to use the kite on water,
always use appropriate safety and floata-
tion devices and do not attach yourself or
tie yourself permanently to the kite lines.
The kite is not intended for use as a fly-
ing device nor indeed is it intended as a
means of flotation.
THIS WARNING
IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND PRO-
TECTION. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH
THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DO
NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. KINDLY
RETURN THIS PRODUCT BEFORE USE,
AND YOUR PURCHASE PRICE WILL BE
REFUNDED IN FULL.
YOU MUST READ THIS INCLUDED
USER MANUAL BEFORE USING
THIS PRODUCT.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
IN THIS MANUAL
IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE
AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AT ANYTIME.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
www.cabrinhakites.com
FOR CURRENT UPDATES
TO THIS MANUAL.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT UNLESS
YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
IMPORTANT
WARNING!

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 4
SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 5,6
CO2 KITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 7
SETTING UP YOUR CO2 KITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 8-21
KITEBOARDING BASICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 22-23
KITE CONTROL AND STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 24
STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 25
SECURING THE KITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 26
LAUNCHING WITH A PARTNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 27,28
SELF LAUNCHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 29,30
LANDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 31
RE-LAUNCHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 32
KITE-REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 33-37
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 38-39
BEACH ETIQUETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PG. 40
CONTENTS 2002
KITEBOARDING
MANUAL

We at Cabrinha would like to THANK YOU for purchasing your
new Cabrinha kite and to welcome you to Cabrinha.
As you may know, the excitement of kiteboarding is attracting
people of all ages from all corners of the globe. It’s one of the
most dynamic and fastest growing sports of the new decade.
It can also be overwhelming if not approached in an educated
and safe manner. That’s why we have supplied this extensive
user’s manual. It will help to educate you about your new kite
and about the safe ways in which to use it. It also contains
information regarding the set-up, care and maintenance of
your new kite so that you can spend as much time on the
water as possible.
Please read this user’s manual carefully and entirely before
using this kite. Also, do not attempt to kiteboard without
appropriate instruction. It will make this sport safer, not only
for yourself, but for those around you.
INTRODUCTION 2002
KITEBOARDING
MANUAL

KITEBOARDING is an extremely diverse sport, with many disciplines
and ability levels. As with all sports, there can be certain inherent risks. The fol-
lowing contains key safety points to remember when operating your Cabrinha kite.
SAFETY
CONT’
•Always use this kite with the
supplied wrist leash system.
•NEVER permanently attach
yourself to this kite, the con-
trol bar, or lines.
•NEVER use this kite as a fly-
ing device.
•NEVER touch the bridle lines
or the kite lines while under
tension; do not catch the kite
using any of these lines.
•When inflated but not in use,
secure your kite with sand or
with something heavy…the
more weight the better. An
inflatable power kite will still fly,
even without a pilot, so be
mindful of those around you
and secure your kite. Your kite
may cause serious injury or
death if it launches unexpect-
edly.
•Do not lend your gear to
someone who has not been
fully instructed on the use of
inflatable kites. Other users
should also read this user’s
manual and be proficient in all
its points.
•Do not underestimate the power of the wind.
•Avoid "offshore" wind conditions and use
extreme caution in "onshore" wind conditions.
•Avoid strong, gusty wind.
•Be careful of wave conditions, especially when
learning.
•Be educated about tides and rip currents.
•Be educated about air and water tempera-
tures and wear appropriate protection
against the elements.
•Do not use this product in thunderstorms.
•Consult an anemometer to determine wind
speeds if necessary.
WIND, WATER & WEATHER CONDITIONS
• GLOVES
• EYE PROTECTION
• SUNSCREEN
• SAFETY KNIFE
• HELMET
• NEOPRENE WET
SUIT
• FOOT PROTECTION
• LIFE JACKET
OR FLOTATION VEST
We strongly recom-
mend the use of the fol-
lowing protective gear:
SAFETY GEAR

•Check your area thoroughly
before launching your kite.
•Observe local laws and regula-
tions regarding this product
and the usage area.
•Avoid launching, landing or
using this product near power
lines, telephone poles, trees,
people, pets, buildings, automo-
biles, streets, and airports.
•Avoid crowded beaches and
waterways.
•Make sure you have consider-
able space in which to launch,
land, and use this product.
•You should have at least 100
meters of space on both sides
and downwind of you. Be espe-
cially alert of your downwind
area.
•Avoid areas with rocks and/or
reef.
•Be careful and mindful of other
water users, including wind-
surfers, boaters, jetskiers,
swimmers, etc.
•Be mindful and aware of the
wind direction in relation to your
launch area.
•Before launching, make sure
you have scouted a safe landing
area, in case you do not make
it back to your launch spot.
•Make sure your lines do not
cross a walkway or passage.
•Do not let others walk between
you and your kite.
SAFETY
•Do not attempt kiteboarding
without appropriate instruction.
•Do not kite alone.
•Launch, land, and ride together
with a partner or have some-
one on shore who can keep an
eye on you.
•Make sure you are in good
physical condition before using
this product.
•Practice flying a small, traction
kite or a "trainer kite" before fly-
ing this kite. The more time
spent on the "trainer kite" the
safer and the better.
•Make sure you are a proficient
swimmer before using this
product near the water.
•Make sure the wind and water
conditions are within your ability
level and that you have made
the correct gear choices.
•Never kiteboard further from
shore than you are able to
swim back.
•Always save a reserve of ener-
gy. End your kiteboarding ses-
sion before you are exhausted.
•Make sure you’ve done your
homework and that you know
the safety precautions of all
aspects of the sport; launching,
landing, flying, riding, kiting
among other water users, self-
rescuing, etc.
•Understand the technique of
self-rescue before using this
product near the water.
•Never let someone who is not
familiar with inflatable kites
launch or catch your kite. You
will endanger them, as well as
yourself and those around you.
You are responsible for the safe
operation of your kite.
KNOW
YOUR
ABILITY LEVEL
CONT’
KITEBOARDING
LOCATIONS

INCLUDED COMPONENTS
•KITE
•HAND PUMP
•ALLEN KEY FOR CARBON LOAD TRANSFER TIP TENSIONING
•BLADDER/CANOPY REPAIR KIT
•ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR
•SINGLE POINT ‘SPIN LOOP’ HARNESS LINE
•LEADER LINES WITH WRIST LEASH
•1SET 25 M. STEERING LINES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
CO2 KITE
4-LINE CAPABILITY
MULTIPLE HANG POINTS
DACRON STRUTS
DACRON LEADING EDGE (L.E.)
AIRLOCK HIGH VOLUME VALVE
2-LINE PULLEYS
CARBON LOAD TRANSFER TIP
BRIDLE (2-LINE MODE)
STEERING LINES
WRIST LEASH
FLY LINE EXTENTIONS FOR 11.5 AND LARGER
LEADER LINES
BAR FLOATS
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BAR ENDS
ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR
SPIN LOOP
14
5
6
7
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
17
23
12
8
OVERVIEW CO2

CONTROL BAR CO2
THE
ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR,
LEADER LINES
AND WRIST LEASH SYSTEM
•THE ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR comes with two leader lines
set up with equal lengths. Do not remove the knots at the end
of the leaders.
•One leader has 2 lines tied together. This line is attached to
the wrist leash system.
•Decide on which arm you want to wear the leash and place
the double line on that side of the bar.
A good rule of thumb: attach the wrist leash to one wrist
and the board leash to the opposite ankle. For example, if you
have the wrist leash attached to the left wrist, you should
attach the board leash to the right ankle.
•NOTE: The 11.5 CO2 and larger require the provided flying
line extension to be attached to the end of the leader line to
accommodate the wrist leash system. Use the larks head to
attach this extension to the end of the leader.
LEADER LINES
WRIST
LEASH
WRIST LEASH W/EXTENTIONS
FOR 11.5 CO2
AND LARGER
LARKS
HEAD

SETTING UP LINES AND BAR CO2
CONT’
Check your line lengths before going out on the water.
•Loop a piece of line (any rope or cord)
around a tree or fence post
•Tie the line in a knot, leaving 2 ends of equal length.
•Tie a knot at the base of each line end.
•Set ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR about 30 meters away
and lay out the LEADER LINES toward the post. Make
sure there are no obstructions in between your bar and
the post.
•Unwind and lay out the color coded STEERING LINES
between the CONTROL BAR and the post.
RED LINE W/RED END COVERINGS = LEFT
BLACK LINE W/GREEN END COVERINGS = RIGHT
•Attach the red/red STEERING LINE to the left LEADER
LINE using the larks head.
•Attach the black/green STEERING LINE to the right
LEADER LINE using the larks head.
•Attach the red/red sheathed STEERING LINE to the left
rope end on the post.
•Attach the black/green STEERING LINE to the right rope
end on the post.
SET UP YOUR STEERING LINES
AND ERGONOMIC CONTROL BAR
LARKS
HEAD

SETTING UP LINES AND BAR CO2
SETTING UP
LINES AND BAR
•Walk back to your control bar.
•Standing directly in line with the post or tree, increase pressure on
the control bar by pulling straight back toward yourself. Do this a few
times to tighten the knots you have just made.
•Now pull back hard and steady on the control bar several times.
•Your control bar should be in line with your shoulders and should be
straight and not at an angle.
•If your control bar is even, now you are ready to fly your kite.
•If your control bar is not even, follow the instructions below in LINE
LENGTH CORRECTIONS.
CONT’
CORRECT
Control
bar is
even and
parallel
with your
shoulders.
INCORRECT
See LINE LENGTH
CORRECTIONS

LINE LENGTH CORRECTIONS
If your bar is at an angle,
your leader line needs adjustment.
Adjustments are made by moving the knot on the end of the leader line
on the leader opposite the wrist leash leader.
DO NOT CHANGE THE LEADER LINE WITH THE WRIST LEASH.
It has a set length that enables the system to work properly.
•If the LEADER LINE is too long, loosen the knot and move it toward
the bar.
•If the LEADER LINE is too short, loosen the knot and move it away
from the bar.
•Re-tighten the knot and check your line length again. Adjust again if
necessary until the control bar is balanced.
•DO NOT put knots in your STEERING LINES. Knots in the STEERING
LINES compromise the life of the line.
LINE LENGTH CORRECTIONS CO2
LEADER LINE
TOO SHORT LEADER LINE
TOO LONG
CORRECT
Control
bar is
even and
parallel
with your
shoulders.

CARBON LOAD TRANSFER TIP CO2
CARBON
LOAD TRANSFER
TIP
The Carbon Rod Batten comes pre-installed. If
the rod has been removed, replace the rod as fol-
lows:
•Slide the batten into the back of the batten pocket, then slide
front of batten into forward batten pocket.
•Place the Allen key in the notch located at the trailing edge
of the batten pocket. Tension the batten with the Allen key
until the wing tip is flat and batten stays in place (i.e. you can-
not move it back and forth in the pocket). You do not need
positive tension in the wing tip material.

INFLATING THE STRUTS
•Unroll your kite, with the STRUTS facing up.
•Make sure your back is to the wind and that the leading edge of the
kite is closest to your body. Secure the wingtips with sand to keep the
kite from flapping.
•Partially inflate the center strut, then the two middle struts, followed
by the end struts.
•When inflating, hold the pump at a perpendicular angle to the kite valve.
Use one hand to hold the valve steady and the other hand to operate
the pump. This will help maintain the life of the internal bladder.
•When all struts are partially inflated, go back to each strut, making
sure the internal bladders are lined up correctly.
•Confirm that the corners under the leading edge are able to fully inflate.
Lightly push air around in the bladders until the corners are free and
correctly lined up.
•Now fully inflate each strut.
•Secure the valve plug and attach the Velcro covering across each valve.
•Do not over-inflate the struts, if it is fairly solid to the touch, it is fully
inflated.
•Do not under-inflate the struts, this will cause poor performance and
relaunching problems.
INFLATING THE KITE - STRUTS CO2
Use one hand to hold the
valve steady and the other
hand to operate the pump
Secure velcro covering
over each strut valve

INFLATING THE KITE - LEADING EDGE CO2
CONT’
INFLATING THE LEADING EDGE
All Cabrinha kites feature the 2 part high volume
Airlock valve. The upper section is the inflation cap.
The lower section is the release valve.
•Make sure that the release valve is seated firmly by turning clock-
wise. Do not over tighten the valve when the kite is not inflated.
Doing so may damage the bladder.
•Open the inflation cap by screwing it counter clockwise. Insert pump
(use the adapter tubing if using a hand pump) and inflate the lead-
ing edge (L.E.).
•When the L.E. is fully inflated, remove pump nozzle and screw the
inflation cap back on. Check that the release valve is secure.
•Do not under-inflate Leading Edge. Proper inflation will make it diffi-
cult but not impossible to bend the ends of the kite in. If it is very
easy to do this, the leading edge is under-inflated. Kite should be
firm enough that if you turn it onto its back, wing tips should extend
into the air and kite should retain its bowed shape.
AIRLOCK
INFLATION
CAP OPEN
PROPERLY INFLATED
KITE
AIRLOCK - CLOSED

LEADING EDGE - DEFLATION CO2
CONT’
DEFLATING THE L.E.
•In order to deflate L.E., you must unscrew the release valve and not the
inflation cap. The release valve is the lower portion of the AIRLOCK.
•After deflating, clear valve of any sand or debris, then seal the valve before
stowing kite to prevent debris from getting inside internal bladder.
NOTE: when closing valve on deflated kite, hold bladder in place to prevent
twisting bladder. Do not over tighten valve when kite is deflated. You may
tighten it further when kite is partially inflated again.
AIRLOCK
RELEASE VALVE OPEN

ATTACHING THE STEERING
LINES TO THE BRIDLE
•Carry the kite to the end of the flying lines furthest from your
control bar. Make sure the leading edge is facing into the
wind.
•Turn the kite on its back (struts facing toward the sky).
•Have your launch partner secure the kite by holding it or
weigh it down with sand or sand bags.
•Ckeck the bridle and free it of any twists and knots.
•Attach the RED larks head on your STEERING LINE over
the RED knot on the BRIDLE.
•Attach the GREEN larks head on your STEERING LINE over
the BLUE knot on the BRIDLE.
•Make sure that the bridle knots are secure by pulling on
each of them to double check.
•Check each PULLEY to make sure each one is turned
upward (each pulley will face downward once the kite is fly-
ing).
•Also, check each PULLEY to make sure the bridle lines
are not trapped between the strut and the back part of
the pulley and the kite material.
•Turn the kite over and secure it.
BRIDLE LINES CO2
PULLEY
ATTACH BRIDLE
W/ LARKS HEADS

SECURING YOUR
KITE ON THE BEACH
•Always secure your kite with more weight than you think you need. An
unmanned kite is dangerous . If you do not have a sandy beach launch,
consider sandbags.
•Never secure your kite with rocks or sharp objects; they will compromise
the life of the kite.
•Keep in mind other beach users and make sure your kite and lines will
not be a danger to others.
•As much as possible, wind your line onto the bar when you are not plan-
ning on kiting—i.e. while taking a lunch break, etc. This will keep the
beach free of line and will prevent other beach users from becoming tan-
gled in your equipment.
SECURING YOUR KITE CO2

CONVERTING THE CO2
TO A 4-LINE KITE
THE CONVERSION OF THE CO2 FROM 2 TO 4 LINES IS A SIMPLE PROCESS OF
REMOVING THE BRIDLE AND YOU WILL NEED:
• a second set of similar length flying lines
• a center leader line
• a centerline adjustment system.
The Cabrinha PowerDrive Kit has everything you need to convert
your Ergonmic Control bar to a 4-line system.
See the Black tip section of this manual for help with bar setup and
tuning in 4-line mode.
REMOVING THE BRIDLE
1) Remove each rear line from attachment points.
2) Loosen the larks head where the front (cross bridle line) attaches to
the rear line. Slide the cross bridle off of the rear line on each side.
3) Detach V1 and V2 from attachment points on each side.
4) The kite is now ready to be flown as a 4-line kite. The attachment
points for V1 and V2 are now the hang points for the front lines and
back lines respectively. Follow the instructions for 4-line set up in the
Black Tip section of this manual.
(NOTE: You may remove the rear line attachment point bridles when
flying the kite as a 4-line.)
2 TO 4-LINE CONVERSION CO2
CONT’

INSTALLING THE BRIDLE
1) You will need a large area to lie out the kite and bridle lines,
preferably out of the wind.
2) Lay the lines out so that the bridle cluster is away from the kite and
the lines are pointing toward the kite. The red bridle goes on the
left side of the kite, but when you are attaching it, the kite will be
upside down (leading edge on the ground). Therefore the red bridle
will be on your right (the kite’s left).
3) Lay out the lines so that the main line is on the outside, the front
(cross bridle line) is next, and the rear line is on the inside.
4) Be sure that the cluster is not tangled or twisted.
5) Utilizing the larks head, attach V1 (front) and V2 (rear) lines to the
wingtip bridles. Connect to knot #2 (middle).
6) Do this on each side.
2 TO 4-LINE CONVERSION CO2
CONT’

Installing the Bridle
7) Thread the cross bridle lines through the 3 pulleys located on the
leading edge of the kite. Start at the wing tip and move toward
the center of the kite.
8) Do this on each side.
9) Take the blue cross bridle line and using the larks head at the
end, slide it onto the red rear line until you reach the 3 knots in
the middle of the red line.
10) Tighten the larks head behind knot 2 from the cluster end.
11) Do this on the other side.
12) Utilizing the larks head, attach the rear line to the rear line hang
point (near the inflated strut). Make sure that the blue rear line is
on the kite’s right rear hang point and the red rear line is on the
kite’s left.
13) Your CO2 is now ready to be flown as a 2-line kite.
2 TO 4-LINE CONVERSION CO2
CONT’